Mariachi band's national anthem at Bears vs. Eagles game ignites racism debate and US Senator response

And what has followed in the nearly 24 hours since that performance is a dispassionate, logical discussion about the quality of the performance and The Mariachi Herencia de México's choice of going for a big finish the crowd definitely didn't expect but mostly celebrated.Nope.Sorry, but social media doesn't do dispassionate or subtle music critique.Case Keenum of the Chicago Bears celebrates after Kalif Raymond scored a 41-yard touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field on Sept.28, 2026, in Chicago, Ill.

(Getty Images)CALEB WILLIAMS, LIMITED BY A HAMSTRING INJURY, SEEN CASUALLY PACING BEARS SIDELINE DURING NATIONAL ANTHEMWhat it has done is spawn an emotional and at times vitriolic debate that has included charges of racism by one of the group's performers, counter-charges of the NFL continuing an offensive outsourcing of America's game to foreigners ......And a United States senator getting involved.So, not tame stuff.And if you cannot abide the heated exchange, then stop right here because the next few paragraphs will get into it.But for the curious and engaged:SINGING THE CANADIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM AT THE BUFFALO BILLS HOME OPENER WAS A MISTAKEWe begin with the performance itself.To an ear not trained in music's finer points, it sounded like any other national anthem early on in that the three-horn section of the ensemble led the way.Mariachi bands don't play salsa music, people.

So no drum or bongo section setting the rhythm.Where it got a little different (sideways?) was when the ensemble, dressed in their full traditional mariachi garb including wide brimmed sombreros, seemingly tried for a big finish.And that big finish didn't sound like the traditional Star Spangled Banner at all.Well, it wasn't long before the critics hit the online streets.

Some reactions:VICTOR WEMBANYAMA ANTHEM CONTROVERSY GROWS AS SPURS, NBA AND ESPN STAY SILENT DURING FINALSTo be accurate, The Mariachi Herencia de Mexico is a two-time Grammy-...